Aston Villa ready to go against Emi Martinez’s wishes amid Saudi Pro League update
Aston Villa have wasted no time before bidding farewell to their stars at the right price this summer.
The Villans waved goodbye to Youri Tielemans after Manchester United triggered his relatively low £35m release clause, but more than made up for that cheap fee by selling Morgan Rogers for a British record £117m to Chelsea.
Those sales allowed Unai Emery to welcome reinforcements of his own, with Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes and Alejandro Garnacho all among those to arrive so far.
|
How Aston Villa could line up 2026/27 |
Player |
Role |
|---|---|---|
|
GK |
Emiliano Martínez |
Sweeper-keeper |
|
RB |
Matty Cash |
Attacking full-back |
|
CB |
Ezri Konsa |
Ball-winning centre-back |
|
CB |
Pau Torres |
Ball-playing centre-back |
|
LB |
Pervis Estupiñán |
Overlapping full-back |
|
DM |
Boubacar Kamara |
Holding midfielder |
|
CM |
João Gomes |
Box-to-box midfielder |
|
RW |
John McGinn |
Inverted wide playmaker |
|
CAM |
Johan Manzambi |
Advanced playmaker |
|
LW |
Alejandro Garnacho |
Direct inside forward |
|
ST |
Ollie Watkins |
Complete striker |
There could be more changes to come, too. Emiliano Martinez’s name is back in the headlines. It’s now over a season since he seemingly waved goodbye to Villa Park, only to eventually stay put last summer.
12 months on from those rumours, the shot-stopper has found himself on Juventus’ radar. This time, however, he doesn’t want to go anywhere. His agent informed reporters that he’s happy in the Midlands and preparing for Champions League football this season.
Instead, it’s Villa who could spoil the moment. They’ve reportedly made a decision about Martinez’s immediate future.
Aston Villa make Emi Martinez sale decision
As reported by Football Insider, Aston Villa are now ready to sell Martinez if it means keeping hold of Ezri Konsa this summer. The goalkeeper’s most likely destination is Saudi Arabia, with the potential for a big-money offer from a billionaire club.
Villa’s decision goes directly against Martinez’s wishes. Just a year on from when they were scrambling to keep the Argentine star, things have flipped. It’s now Martinez who could be fighting to stay put in the Midlands.
It remains unclear whether any decision has come from Emery. The Spaniard was once again full of praise for his No.1 last season and will be well aware of what he offers Aston Villa on and off the pitch.
“I understand it completely, everything. Staying here is good news – I am so, so happy. He is the best goalkeeper in the world and his commitment to Aston Villa is massive.”
Former Premier League striker Peter Crouch has also praised Martinez during the goalkeeper’s time at Villa, dubbing his save against Juventus in 2024 “unbelievable”.
In terms of quality, it’s hard to deny that Villa need the goalkeeper. If they do not find a replacement this summer, though, then they must do so as soon as possible.
At 33 years old, the South American will not be at the peak of his powers forever and that may factor into Villa’s reported sale decision.
